Application of machine learning to identify top determinants of fibrofatty plaque burden by CCTA in humans with psoriasis

Introduction

Fibrofatty plaque burden (FFB) is a high-risk, vulnerable plaque feature comprised of an atheromatous core and fibrous cap with increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) [1]. Psoriasis (PSO) is a chronic inflammatory disease linked with atherosclerotic risk and premature cardiovascular disease, driven in part by vulnerable plaque rupture [2,3]. Machine learning (ML) previously showed the prognostic value of FFB in predicting 5-year risk of cardiac-related mortality in patients with CAD [4]. Whether ML can predict FFB in psoriasis is understudied.

Purpose

To use ML to identify top determinants of FFB by CCTA in PSO.

Methods

320 consecutive participants with psoriasis were recruited as part of an ongoing cohort study, of whom 307 had FFB analyzed with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and quantified by QAngio CT (Medis, The Netherlands). 140 out of 182 potential determinants were subjected to ML algorithms analyzed by random forest and validated by 5-fold cross validation to select the top determinants based on R-square criteria. Lipid concentration and size were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and sdLDL-C was calculated by Sampson's formula.

Results

The top 21 determinants of FFB at baseline were grouped into 3 categories: cardiometabolic risk factors (BMI, sex, DBP, mean arterial pressure, exercise, heart rate, glucose, anxiety, psoriasis disease duration), clinical measurements (basophils, platelets, hemoglobin, RBC, alkaline phosphatase, ALT, creatinine, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), and lipoproteins (LDL particle size, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B-to-A1 ratio, calculated sdLDL-C).

Conclusion

ML confirmed that FFB strongly correlates with cardiometabolic risk factors, clinical measurements, and lipoproteins. Further investigations into these top determinants of FFB over time may provide insight into potential therapeutic interventions that decrease cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases and should be validated in larger studies.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): This study was supported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) IntramuralResearch Program (ZIA-HL-06193). This research was made possible through the NIH MedicalResearch Scholars Program, a public-private partnership supported jointly by the NIH andcontributions to the Foundation for the NIH from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation,Genentech, the American Association for Dental Research, the Colgate-Palmolive Company, andother private donors.

Specialist and Patient Perspectives on Strategies to Improve Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Among Persons Living with Psoriatic Disease

Background

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease associated with excess risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Guidelines recognize psoriasis as a CVD risk enhancer; however, psoriasis patients often do not have CVD risk factors identified nor managed.

Objective

This study examines strategies to improve CVD prevention care from the perspective of dermatologists and patients with psoriasis.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to examine the perspectives of physicians (N = 16) and patients with psoriatic disease (N = 16) on barriers/facilitators to CVD prevention. Interviews were transcribed and coded using an integrated approach designed to enhance reliability and validity using NVivo software.

Results

We found three major themes suggesting areas to target for the future: (1) Appropriateness: perceptions of whether CVD care should be deployed in this setting by both clinicians and patients, (2) Feasibility: whether CVD prevention care could be integrated into the current structure of specialist practice, and (3) Care Coordination: an interest by all parties to better integrate a team approach in CVD preventative care to reduce duplicative efforts, work practically in an already existing system rather than reinventing the wheel, and progress with the patients' best interests in mind.

Conclusions

These findings will inform the design of a clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of specialist clinician implementation of CVD guideline-based prevention care in patients with psoriasis. Ultimately, this study aims to increase the lifespan and health of patients living with psoriatic disease by decreasing barriers to their receiving appropriate CVD prevention care.

Tildrakizumab efficacy and safety in patients with psoriasis and concomitant metabolic syndrome: post hoc analysis of 5-year data from reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2

BACKGROUND

Limited data are available on long-term efficacy and safety of biologics in patients with psoriasis and metabolic syndrome (MetS), a common comorbidity.

OBJECTIVES

This analysis updates tildrakizumab efficacy and safety for up to 5 years in patients with and without MetS.

METHODS

This was a post hoc analysis of the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 reSURFACE 1 (NCT01722331) and reSURFACE 2 (NCT01729754) trials in adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Analyses included data through Week 244 from patients who continuously received tildrakizumab 100 (TIL100) or 200 mg (TIL200) and entered the extension studies, stratified by baseline MetS status. Efficacy was assessed via Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores. Safety was evaluated from exposure-adjusted incidence rates (EAIRs) of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

RESULTS

reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2 analyses included 26 and 44 TIL100-treated patients with MetS, 98 and 167 TIL100-treated patients without MetS, 34 and 30 TIL200-treated patients with MetS, and 111 and 130 TIL200-treated patients without MetS, respectively. There were no clinically relevant differences in PASI 75/90/100 response rates at Week 244 between patients with vs without MetS. The proportion of patients with vs without MetS achieving absolute PASI score <3 at Week 244 was 53.8% vs 69.4% and 77.3% vs 80.8% in reSURFACE 1 and 2, respectively, for TIL100-treated patients and 58.8% vs 72.1% and 63.3% vs 72.3%, respectively, for TIL200-treated patients. In both studies, median reduction from baseline PASI score at all time points in patients with vs without MetS was >83% vs >89% for TIL100 and >85% vs >90% for TIL200. Pooled EAIRs of TEAEs, serious TEAEs, and TEAEs of special interest were similar in patients with and without MetS.

CONCLUSIONS

Tildrakizumab maintains efficacy and a favorable safety profile over 5 years in patients with psoriasis regardless of MetS status.

Chronic inflammation in psoriasis promotes visceral adipose tissue association with lipid-rich necrotic core through atherogenic myeloid score

Background/Introduction

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with adipose dysfunction and high-risk coronary artery disease features, including non-calcified coronary burden (NCB) and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC). Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is a metabolically-active depot that secretes inflammatory and proatherogenic factors, and is associated with increased NCB. Additionally, an atherogenic myeloid score (AMS) comprised of classical monocytes, low-density granulocytes, and platelets was shown to associate with psoriasis severity and NCB.

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between VAT and high-risk plaque features and test whether this relationship was potentially mediated by myeloid cells.

Methods

A cohort of 131 psoriasis patients were included in this study. Atherogenic myeloid score components were calculated using complete blood count data (platelets) and by flow cytometry (monocytes, LDGs). Coronary NCB and LRNC were quantified using QAngio and vascuCAP respectively. VAT was defined as intra-abdominal fat and was quantified using an automated contouring software with abdominal CT scans. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 12.

Results

The cohort was middle-aged 50 (42–61) (median (IQR)), and predominantly male (61%). High VAT vs low VAT groups differed significantly in their NCB ((0.910±0.279) vs (1.431±0.517)); p&lt;0.001), (mean ± SD). After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, VAT associated with the atherogenic myeloid score (β=0.221, p=0.044), with LRNC (β=0.128, p=0.047), and atherogenic myeloid score associated with LRNC (β=0.161, p=0.003). The relationship of VAT to LRNC was partially mediated by atherogenic myeloid score (25.14%, p=0.029) (Figure 1).

Conclusions

VAT associated with LRNC, and this relationship was partially mediated by the atherogenic myeloid score. These findings suggest that bioactive VAT may impart risk on coronary artery disease in part through myeloid cells.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Intramural Research Program in Bethesda, Maryland Figure 1. Log-transformed atherogenic myeloid score partially mediates the relationship between VAT and log-transformed LRNC. Adjusted by Framingham Risk Score, PASI score, biologic therapy, statin therapy, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and subcutaneous adipose tissue volume. Red arrow: represents indirect effect; Beta: standard regression coefficient.

Bone marrow and splenic metabolic activity by 18F-FDG PET/CT are associated with noncalcified coronary burden and lipid-rich necrotic core in psoriasis

Background/Introduction

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin condition with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Elevated bone marrow (BM) and splenic hematopoiesis occurs after MI. In stable patients without chronic inflammation, higher splenic hematopoiesis predicts major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Nevertheless, studies in humans investigating these relationships in states of chronic inflammation on coronary artery disease features associated with MACE are limited.

Purpose

To investigate the relationships between bone marrow and splenic metabolic activity by [18]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT and subclinical cardiovascular disease in psoriasis.

Methods

Healthy participants (N=30) and psoriasis participants (N=210) were age and sex matched. All participants underwent 18FDG PET/CT and CT angiography (Toshiba 320 slice). Coronary artery plaque characteristics were assessed using QAngio CT (Medis, The Netherlands) and lipid rich necrotic core (LRNC) was assessed using vascuCAP (Elucid Bioimaging, Boston, MA). For tissue metabolic activities target-to-background ratio (TBR) was calculated as the ratio of arterial and venous standardized uptake values (SUV).

Results

The psoriasis cohort was middle aged 49.2 (±SD 11.9) years and predominantly male (64%). Those with psoriasis vs. healthy participants had higher BM (1.58 (IQR 1.35–1.89) vs. 1.23 (IQR 1.14–1.35); p&lt;0.001) and splenic (1.40 (IQR 1.21–1.66) vs.1.17 (IQR 1.11–1.26); p&lt;0.001) metabolic activity. After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors bone marrow metabolic activity was associated with total burden, non-calcified burden (NCB) and LRNC (β=0.36, β=0.39, β=0.26; all p&lt;0.001) respectively. Similar findings were observed for splenic activity (β=0.33, β=0.36, β=0.36; all p&lt;0.001). In ROC analysis, when comparing area under the curve, BM activity better incrementally predicted non-calcified burden and lipid rich necrotic core compared to splenic activity (Figure).

Conclusions

BM and splenic metabolic activity are increased in psoriasis. Both are associated with coronary artery disease but there was a slightly stronger association with BM activity compared to splenic activity, These findings warrant further study to understand immune mechanisms underlying these observations.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Intramural Research Program in Bethesda, Maryland Figure 1. Median values of NCB and LRNC were used to convert these continuous variables into dichotomous variables such that values ≤ median were designated as 0 and values &gt;median were designated 1. Bone marrow model compared to base model and splenic model added incremental value in predicting NCB (p&lt;0.0001) and LRNC (p=0.0003). Base model: Framingham risk score, lipid treatment, biologic therapy, homeostasis model assessment as an index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), low density lipoprotein (LDL).

Effect of informed consent on patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery and living donor liver transplantation and on their relatives in a developing country

Background

Informed consent is a systematic process for obtaining permission before conducting a healthcare intervention. In a developing country, gaining informed consent is generally perceived to be a ritual only to comply with legal requirements. The present study examined this by assessing the process of informed consent in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery or living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and their relatives, based on their comprehension and overall satisfaction, in India.

Methods

All patients undergoing any gastrointestinal surgery or LDLT procedure between August 2015 and July 2016 and their relatives were included, and were administered a structured questionnaire 5 days after the procedure.

Results

The majority of patients (94·2 per cent) could recall the nature of their disease, the surgery performed (81·6 per cent) and anticipated complications (55·6 per cent). Among their relatives, these proportions were 97·8, 87·3 and 58·5 per cent respectively. Recall was associated with age, occupation and education among both patients and relatives. Patients undergoing LDLT, their donors and their relatives had better recall than those who had other gastrointestinal procedures (P < 0·001). Many patients found the process of informed consent useful and reassuring.

Conclusion

The details and risks of an operation were understood by most of the patients, especially those undergoing liver transplantation. Patients from developing countries can generally understand ‘informed consent’, and value it.

Anti-inflammatory therapy with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors is associated with reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a systemic chronic inflammatory condition associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Data demonstrating that decreased skin inflammation reduces cardiovascular events in patients with psoriasis may be generalizable to other chronic inflammatory states with heightened cardiovascular risk.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) therapy is associated with decreased major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with psoriasis.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study using the KPSC health plan, patients had at least three ICD-9 codes for psoriasis and no antecedent MACE codes. Propensity score-adjusted multivariable Cox regression assessed hazard ratios (HR) of MACE associated with TNFi use.

RESULTS

After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, the TNFi cohort had significantly lower MACE HR compared with the topical cohort (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66-0.98). The oral/phototherapy cohort had similar MACE HR compared with the topical cohort (HR, 1.19 (95% CI, 0.99-1.42)).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed significantly lower MACE risk in patients with psoriasis receiving TNFi compared to topical or oral/phototherapy agents. TNFi therapy may have benefits beyond skin disease in mitigating cardiovascular event risk.

21: DETERMINANTS OF VASCULAR INFLAMMATION BY 18-FLUORODEOXYGLUCOSE PET/MRI: FINDINGS FROM THE PSORIASIS, ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND CARDIOMETABOLIC DISEASE INITIATIVE

Purpose of Study

Psoriasis (PSO), a chronic inflammatory disease associated with increased CV risk, provides a clinical human model to study inflammatory atherogenesis. We aimed to assess the major determinants of vascular inflammation (VI) measured by 18FDG PET-MRI in a well-phenotyped PSO cohort.

Methods Used

124 consecutive patients with PSO underwent 18FDG PET-MRI scans. We used target-to-background ratio to quantify VI 120 minutes post FDG injection. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was measured, along with cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) and HDL particle concentration by NMR (Liposcience) fasting.

Summary of Results

Our cohort was middle aged (mean 49±13.3 years) with mild to moderate PSO, and low CV risk (median Framingham Risk Score (FRS) 2, IQR 2–6). PSO was associated with increased VI (β=0.27, p<0.005), compared to healthy controls. VI was associated with HOMA-IR (β=0.26, p<0.001), CEC (β=−0.12, p=0.04) and HDL particle concentration (β=−0.19, p=0.003) beyond traditional CV risk factors (age, gender, FRS and BMI). Among these, HOMA-IR provided maximum incremental value in predicting VI beyond traditional risk factors (χ2=39.36, p<0.001).

Conclusions

VI by FDG PET MRI is associated with traditional CV risk factors and cardiometabolic parameters. Insulin resistance and CEC were most strongly associated with VI by 18FDG PET-MRI beyond traditional CV risk factors and BMI in PSO suggesting that cardiometabolic disease increases CV risk in PSO.

Abstract 21 Figure 1

23: VASCULAR INFLAMMATION AND AORTIC WALL CHARACTERISTICS MODULATE FOLLOWING LIFESTYLE CHANGES IN PSORIASIS PATIENTS AT 1 YEAR FOLLOW UP

Purpose of Study

Psoriasis (PSO), a chronic inflammatory skin disease, is associated with increased CV risk and vascular inflammation (VI). However, the effect of therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) including exercise on VI over time is unknown. We hypothesized that TLC would lead to an improvement in VI at 1 year accompanied by improvements in aortic wall characteristics.

Methods Used

65 PSO patients, recruited consecutively, underwent FDG PET/CT, phase contrast MRI scans and clinical visits for evaluation of VI, wall characteristics and exercise frequency, at baseline and 1 year follow-up. VI was measured as Target-to-background ratio (TBR), and aortic distensibility (AD) and wall thickness were assessed by commercial software on phase contrast MRI scans. Clinical parameters were ascertained by both survey and provider.

Summary of Results

VI decreased at 1 year (6.5% decrease in TBR; p<0.0001), and was inversely associated with exercise frequency beyond adjustment for CV risk factors (β=−0.27; p=0.001). Furthermore, this decrease in VI was associated with improvement in AD (40% increase; p<0.001) and aortic wall thickness (8.5% decrease; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that VI improves with TLC. This 6.5% decrease in VI could lead to ∼30% reduction in future adverse events, based on a recent large prospective study. This VI reduction is also associated with improved aortic wall characteristics suggesting that targeting VI as a surrogate marker holds promise to understand the effects of TLC on CV disease.

Abstract 23 Figure 1

18: IMPROVEMENT IN PSORIASIS SKIN DISEASE SEVERITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH REDUCTION OF CORONARY PLAQUE BURDEN

Purpose of Study

Psoriasis (PSO), a chronic inflammatory disease associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk, provides a clinical human model to study inflammatory atherogenesis. While PSO severity is associated with both in vivo vascular disease and future CV risk, the longitudinal impact of PSO severity on coronary disease progression is unknown. We hypothesized that an improvement in PSO severity may lead to a reduction in coronary plaque burden by coronary CT angiography (CCTA).

Methods Used

Consecutively recruited PSO patients (N=50) underwent CCTA (320 detector row, Toshiba) and cardiometabolic profiling at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Total (TB) and non-calcified (NCB) coronary plaque burden were quantified using QAngio (Medis, Netherlands). PSO severity was measured as the psoriasis area severity index (PASI). The longitudinal change in coronary plaque burden was analyzed with unadjusted and adjusted regression.

Summary of Results

The cohort had a low Framingham Risk Score and mild to moderate PSO. Patients whose PSO severity improved (ΔPASI −27%; p<0.001) (N=33) had significant improvement in TB (β=0.40, p=0.003) and NCB (β=0.49, p<0.001) (table 1), beyond adjustment for traditional CV risk factors, BMI, statin use, & systemic/biologic PSO therapy.

Conclusions

Improvement in PSO severity was associated with improvement in coronary plaque burden by CCTA. Our study suggests that a reduction in skin inflammation may reduce the progression of early, non-calcified coronary plaque. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Abstract 18 Figure 1

*P-value is calculated by comparing baseline and 1-year follow-up values for variables using paired t-test for continuous variables, and Pearson's chi-squared test for categorical variables. All values are expressed as Mean±SD, unless specified otherwise. PASI: Psoriasis Area Severity Index.

Psoriasis is associated with decreased plasma adiponectin levels independently of cardiometabolic risk factors

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that may be associated with an adverse cardiometabolic profile including modulated plasma adiponectin and leptin levels. Whether these levels are independent of cardiometabolic risk factors, which are also prevalent in psoriasis, is not known.

METHODS

A consecutive sample of 122 participants with varying degrees of psoriasis severity, and a random sample of 134 participants without psoriasis, were recruited for this case-control study. Cardiometabolic risk factors including traditional cardiovascular risk factors, waist circumference, insulin resistance, and total plasma adiponectin and leptin were measured. Total plasma adiponectin and leptin levels were compared in unadjusted and adjusted analyses by psoriasis status.

RESULTS

Participants with psoriasis had mostly mild disease and were mainly on topical therapies, but still had a more adverse cardiometabolic profile compared with those without psoriasis. Furthermore, plasma adiponectin levels were significantly lower in participants with psoriasis than those without {7.13 μg/mL [interquartile range (IQR) 4.9-11.3) vs. 14.5 μg/mL (IQR 8.4-24.1); P < 0.001]}. Plasma leptin (ng/mL) levels were higher in the psoriasis group but this did not reach statistical significance [11.3 (IQR 6.4-21.8) vs. 9.8 (IQR 4.9-20.5); P = 0.07]. In multivariable modelling, plasma adiponectin levels were still negatively associated with psoriasis status after adjusting for waist size (% difference = -41.2%, P < 0.001), insulin resistance (% difference = -39.5%, P < 0.001), and both waist size and insulin resistance (% difference = -38.5%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma levels of adiponectin were lower in psoriasis, and this relationship persisted after adjusting for cardiometabolic risk factors known to decrease adiponectin levels. These findings suggest that inflammation present in psoriasis may be associated with adipose tissue dysfunction; however, direct studies of adipose tissue are needed to confirm this.

Effect of preoperative chemotherapy on liver resection for colorectal liver metastases

AIM

To compare the effects of preoperative chemotherapy on liver parenchyma morphology, as well as morbidity and mortality after liver resection for colorectal liver metastases.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data on 173 patients undergoing liver resection for CLM between 1/2003 and 9/2005 was analysed in three groups: A: preoperative oxaliplatin (Ox, n=70); B: other chemotherapeutic agents (OC, n=60); and C: surgery alone without chemotherapy (SA, n=43). Blood transfusion, hospital stay, operative procedure, peak postoperative bilirubin levels, complications and histopathology of the resected liver were compared.

RESULTS

Intra-operative blood transfusion requirement (34%) and biliary complications (16%) was higher in patients receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy (p=0.01 and p=0.06, respectively). Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy was also associated with sinusoidal dilatation of mild grade in 52.8% vs. 26.6% and 23.3% patients (p=0.007 and p=0.004) in other groups, respectively. Steatosis was similarly distributed across the study group. Postoperative mortality was 2, 1 and 4 patients, respectively (p=ns).

CONCLUSION

Oxaliplatin-based preoperative chemotherapy is associated with vascular alterations in the liver parenchyma without significantly increasing the risk of steatosis, or postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Extraserosal pedunculated leiomyoma of stomach

Leiomyoma of the stomach, a type of gastrointestinal stromal tumor, is uncommon. We report a 51-year-old woman with an extraserosal pedunculated leiomyoma of the stomach.

Ascitic fluid filtration and intravenous infusion versus total-volume paracentesis with infusion of plasma expander in cirrhosis with tense or intractable ascites

BACKGROUND

Patients with cirrhotic ascites have low serum albumin levels, and paracentesis of ascitic fluid could compromise them further.

AIM

We compared the therapeutic efficacy of ascitic fluid filtration and concentrate infusion (AFI) versus total-volume paracentesis (TVP) with colloid infusion in control of tense or intractable cirrhotic ascites.

METHODS

Ten patients underwent AFI; their ascitic fluid was filtered repeatedly through hollow-fiber hemodialyzer, and the concentrate reinfused intravenously. In ten patients TVP was done with simultaneous intravenous colloid infusion. Follow-up was done weekly and the study terminated if the patient needed diuretics or developed complications.

RESULTS

Pre-study parameters were similar in the two groups. In the AFI and TVP groups, the duration of procedure was median 12 hours and 5.5 hours; fluid removed by paracentesis was 10.2 L and 8.0 L, respectively; and fluid infused intravenously was 0.5 L [with mean (SD) protein content 5.7 (1.3) g/dl] and 1.1 L, respectively. Glomerular filtration rates were lower than normal in the two groups but did not change significantly with the procedure; body weight remained significantly lower up to week 3 and week 2, respectively. The study was terminated at median week 3 (range 1-8) and week 2 (1-4), respectively. Fever was an accompaniment of AFI and one patient developed peritonitis.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing AFI remained diuretic-free longer; the procedure is cost-effective but needs to be further evaluated to minimize the side-effects.

Persistent transaminase elevation due to heterozygous (familial) apolipoprotein B deficiency

Homozygous apolipoprotein B deficiency can present with fatty liver and raised levels of transaminases. Subjects with heterozygous deficiency are almost always asymptomatic. We report an asymptomatic 26-year-old man with persistently raised transaminases, in whom the diagnosis of heterozygous (familial) apolipoprotein B deficiency was made on the basis of characteristic lipid profile.